Ramblers battle for place on roster at training camp

Goaltenders trying out for a place on the Ramblers roster stretched after running a drill yesterday at Amherst Stadium. The only goaltender returning from last year is Richard Tingley (left).Dave Mathieson - Amherst Daily News

AMHERST – The Maritime Hockey League Amherst Ramblers hit the ice yesterday with their first day of training camp.

“We had 32 people,” said Jim Bottomley, Ramblers coach and general manager. “We had a nice brisk skate this morning but with only two hours off between sessions, and with the heat, it was a tough day.”

Many of the players arrived from Quebec Major Junior Hockey League camps.

“They worked out all summer and some are in very good shape,” added Bottomley.

One of those players is Amherst’s Josh Pugsley who was at the Moncton Wildcats training camp.

“He looks great,” said Bottomley. “He had a great day and stood out, he just has to get consistent and work on a couple things.”

Five goaltenders are battling for two goaltender positions.

“Right now we have (Richard) Tingley back from last year and four other kids,” said Bottomley.

Tingley said it feels good to be back on the ice and is looking forward to a new season.

“We’re going as far as we can,” said Tingley. “Jim is building a winning team for us, so I’ll do my part to get us as far as we can.”

Tingley is 19-yearsold and said the other four goaltenders are younger.

“They’re looking good, there’s a lot of potential.”

Tingley said he trained both on and off the ice over the summer.

“The first day at camp was pretty rough but my legs came through for me,” he said.

The other goaltenders at camp are Kaelan LeBlanc of Richmond B.C., Carter Sullivan of Dartmouth, Coleman Ueffing of Canning, and Marc Terriault of Mont Royale, QC.

Training camp continues today. On-ice practice and drills are from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., and then there is an inter-squad game from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m.

“The inter-squad game is open to the public,” said Bottomley. “And (Ramblers) seasons tickets will be on sale.”